Open Hands Backpack Program

     The Open Hands Backpack Program is a community outreach program jointly established by The Bridge Foursquare Church, Christiansburg Primary School (CPS), and Christiansburg Elementary School (CES) to identify and address food insecurity within the New River Valley.  This program provides food to the children on weekends and over school breaks, when they do not have access to the free or reduced cost meals provided by the schools.  Each pack provides two breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and a juice for the weekend.  Also, upon request from the school, emergency food boxes are put together, to provide assistance for families in urgent need.  

     Imagine being a child with very little to eat, uncertain of when your next meal might be.  Imagine being a parent trying to provide for your family but are unable to do so.  Prolonged periods of hunger are something most of us will never experience.  Hunger has been determined to cause headaches, weakness, and dizziness leading to significant learning and behavior challenges.   

     Feedback from school officials testify to the positive impact of the Open Hands Backpack Program.  Children are no longer showing up hungry on Monday morning and their concentration in school is much better.  Additionally, recipient families credit this beneficial program with helping them to cope with food insecurity, during difficult times.